Dina Bourque, the principal of Iberia Middle School in Louisiana, died in a tragic car accident on Thursday, December 7, 2023. She was 49 years old and had been serving as the principal since 2018. She was widely respected and loved by her students, staff, and community for her dedication, compassion, and leadership.
The Accident
According to the Louisiana State Police, the accident occurred around 6:30 a.m. on U.S. Highway 90 near the intersection of Louisiana Highway 88. Bourque was driving a 2017 Toyota Corolla eastbound on U.S. 90 when she collided with a 2019 Ford F-150 pickup truck that was traveling westbound. The impact caused both vehicles to catch fire.
Bourque was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the pickup truck, a 52-year-old man from New Iberia, suffered moderate injuries and was transported to a local hospital. The cause of the crash is still under investigation, but authorities suspect that impairment and speed were factors. Both drivers were wearing seat belts at the time of the crash.
The Reaction
The news of Bourque’s death shocked and saddened the Iberia Parish community, especially the Iberia Middle School family. The school district issued a statement expressing its condolences and announcing that the school would be closed on Friday, December 8, 2023, to allow students and staff to grieve. The district also provided counseling and support services for anyone who needed them.
Many people took to social media to pay tribute to Bourque and share their memories of her. They described her as a caring, generous, and inspiring person who always put the needs of others before her own. They praised her for her achievements as an educator and a leader who made a positive difference in the lives of many children and adults. They also offered their prayers and sympathy to her family and friends.
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The Legacy
Dina Bourque was born on June 15, 1974, in New Iberia, Louisiana. She graduated from New Iberia Senior High School in 1992 and earned her bachelor’s degree in elementary education from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette in 1996. She began her teaching career at Caneview Elementary School in 1997 and later became an assistant principal at the same school. In 2018, she was appointed as the principal of Iberia Middle School, where she served until her death.
Bourque was passionate about education and dedicated to improving the academic performance and well-being of her students. She implemented various programs and initiatives to enhance the curriculum, instruction, and assessment at her school. She also fostered a positive and collaborative culture among her staff and encouraged them to pursue professional development and growth. She was an active member of several professional organizations, such as the Louisiana Association of Principals and the National Association of Elementary School Principals.
Bourque was also involved in her community and supported various causes and charities. She was a member of the Rotary Club of New Iberia and the Iberia Parish Chamber of Commerce. She volunteered for the United Way of Iberia, the Boys and Girls Club of Acadiana, and the Iberia Parish Animal Shelter. She was a devout Catholic and a parishioner of St. Peter’s Catholic Church in New Iberia.
Bourque is survived by her husband, John Bourque, and their two children, Jacob and Jenna. She is also survived by her parents, David and Diane Broussard, her brother, David Broussard Jr., and her sister, Danielle Broussard. She is preceded in death by her grandparents, Joseph and Dorothy Broussard, and Albert and Lillian Landry.
Dina Bourque was a remarkable woman who touched the hearts and minds of many people. She was a devoted wife, mother, daughter, sister, friend, educator, and leader. She left behind a legacy of excellence, kindness, and service that will be remembered and honored by all who knew her. She will be greatly missed and never forgotten.
